Camp Experience for 5th and 6th Graders
5th and 6th graders at St. Mary School traveled to Howell Nature Center last month with the intention of experiencing their outdoor nature and conservation programs.  They came away with those lessons and so much more!  Our students bravely and thoughtfully met challenges on the ropes course, in the teamwork of canoeing the lake, in “chores” around camp, in considering the needs of wildlife, and in considering the global challenges around the world of those less fortunate.  HNC promotes an appreciation of the natural world, conservation strategies to care for the environment, and opportunities to strengthen personal skills, and of course to have fun!  Our students were able to work together in problem solving exercises that required both independent thinking and collaboration.  Our shared daily prayer reminded us of the significance in Caring for God’s Creation as we used these three days to experience God’s beautiful outdoor classroom!  We continue to extend the concepts and lessons begun at camp, truly grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow together as faithful caretakers of the earth in such a unique setting.